Former Murphy High School football and track star Captain Munnerlyn has signed a three-year, $15 million contract with the Minnesota Vikings. Munnerlyn, a cornerback, was a free agent after playing five seasons with the Carolina Panthers.

The Charlotte Observer reported that $7 million of Munnerlyn's contract is guaranteed.

I have so many thoughts rushing through my mind right now. First of all I would like to thank the city... http://t.co/szAXBLoPrk

During the 2013 season, Munnerlyn, 25, was the constant in the Carolina secondary, which overcame an outbreak of injuries to help the Panthers post the second-best defensive stats in the league and reach the playoffs for the first time since the 2008 season. For the first time in his NFL career, Munnerlyn started every game and set career highs with 73 tackles and three sacks. He intercepted two passes and got his hands on 12 others, the most on the team.

Munnerlyn returned both of his interceptions for touchdowns last season, bringing his career total to a Carolina-record five. Munnerlyn has seven career interceptions. His TD rate of 71.4 percent is the best in NFL history for any player with at least seven interceptions.

The Vikings finished next-to-last in the NFL in passing defense last season.

Munnerlyn also was a free agent last offseason, but stayed with Carolina on a one-year contract for $1.1 million.